A man in a rented Home Depot pickup truck killed eight people and injured 15 others Tuesday when he drove along a bike path near the World Trade Center memorial.
The damage unfolded in a matter of minutes.
At 2:06 p.m., suspect Sayullo Saipov rented a truck.
He rented it from a Home Depot in Passaic, New Jersey, NYPD Deputy Police Commissioner John Miller said.
He entered Manhattan via the George Washington Bridge at 2:43 p.m.
At 3:04 p.m., the driver entered the bike path at Houston Street.
He drove south on the West Street pedestrian/bike path for just under a mile, mowing down pedestrians and bicyclists.
The truck hit a school bus near Chambers Street.
The driver got out of the truck brandishing what appeared to be two firearms. They were later recovered and determined to be a paintball gun and a pellet gun.
Ryan Nash, an NYPD officer from Long Island, shot the suspect in the abdomen. He was taken into custody and brought to Bellevue Hospital.
By 3:08 p.m., more than a dozen 911 calls come in reporting the incident.
Over the course of about five minutes, police and dispatchers are captured on the scanner requesting units to West and Chambers streets and relaying information as it comes out.
The suspect was identified as Sayfullo Saipov.
A source identified the suspect as Sayfullo Saipov. He has a Florida license but was living in New Jersey.
Witnesses told police the suspect shouted “Allah Akbar,” which means “God is great,” when he exited the truck, a law enforcement source said.
Warning: Graphic video follows.
Video appears to show suspect in NYC truck attack running outside of his vehicle and then being taken into custody https://t.co/IML42gnQN1 pic.twitter.com/dX8F6RcY9T
— CNN (@CNN) October 31, 2017
Officials call the attack ‘an act of terror.’
At a 5:15 p.m. news conference, officials called the attack an act of terror.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said the suspect was acting as a lone wolf, and there was no evidence of a “wider plot.”
President Donald Trump tweeted about the incident at 5:30 p.m.
In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017
… followed by First Lady Melania Trump.
My heart breaks for #NYC today. Thoughts & prayers as we monitor the situation.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) October 31, 2017
The President continued with additional tweets in the hours afterward.
We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017
My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack. God and your country are with you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017
His official statement promised a joint NYPD and FBI investigation.
Statement from @POTUS @realDonaldTrump on the Terrorist Attack in New York City pic.twitter.com/nMe1WpqGQ6
— Dan Scavino Jr. (@Scavino45) October 31, 2017
Oyster Bay campaign spending passes $1M mark
The campaign committees for the Republican and Democratic candidates for town supervisor in Oyster Bay, along with the two party committees in the town, have spent $1,094,773.92 so far on the election, more than twice what was spent in 2015. Here is a breakdown based on data from the New York State Board of Elections. The 2017 figure is not final; candidates are required to submit at least one more set of spending records that is not due until after the election. Figures for the January reports in 2015 and 2017 only include expenditures from that month, to keep the comparison fair. Read more about the campaign spending here.
2015 | John Venditto (R) | John Mangelli (D) | Town Republican Committee | Town Democratic Committee |
---|---|---|---|---|
January Periodic | $0 | $0 | $1,337.99 | $49.90 |
July Periodic | $52,598.27 | $0 | $66,529.95 | $2,790.91 |
32 Day Pre General Election | $71,790.65 | $0 | $37,340.99 | $1,841.38 |
11 Day Pre General Election | $14,330.26 | $901.50 | $54,787.77 | $14,784.85 |
27 Day Post General Election | $162,406.50 | $8,393.55 | $10,404.65 | $19,623.20 |
TOTAL | $301,125.68 | $9,295.05 | $170,401.35 | $39,090.24 |
2017 | Joseph Saladino* (R) | Marc Herman (D) | Town Republican Committee | Town Democratic Committee |
January Periodic | $468.37 | $0.0 | $5,037.01 | $0 |
July Periodic | $40,520.22 | $4,446.96 | $61,732.20 | $16,806.25 |
32 Day Pre Primary | $0 | $0 | $0 | $22,709.33 |
11 Day Pre Primary | $0 | $0 | $0 | $20,012.60 |
10 Day Post Primary | $0 | $0 | $0 | $50,519.35 |
32 Day Pre General Election | $89,345.22 | $35,297.70 | $29,610.52 | $25,577.28 |
11 Day Pre General Election | $396,942.40 | $136,993.50 | $12,840.08 | $145,914.93 |
TOTAL | $527,276.21 | $176,738.16 | $109,219.81 | $281,539.74 |
*January expenses for Saladino are from his Assembly campaign committee.
Trump vs. Clinton: Relive the drama of election night 2016
Heading into election night 2016, Hillary Clinton seemed likely to make history as the first woman elected president of the United States. The Democratic nominee and former secretary of state had a resume tailor-made for the job, and faced an unpredictable newcomer to politics, Republican Donald Trump, who made his own rules on the campaign trail.
But the night became historic for a different reason, as Trump won several critical swing states and pulled off one of the biggest upsets ever in U.S. politics.
A year later, here’s a moment-by-moment look back at that dramatic night, as told through photos, videos and the social media feeds of Newsday staff, major news organizations including The Associated Press and the candidates themselves.
Social media posts are timed according to when they were posted.
8:10 p.m. Clinton the clear favorite
Early in the night, major election forecasters The New York Times and FiveThirtyEight heavily predict a Clinton win. The Democrat holds an Electoral College lead over Trump.
8:22 p.m.
Things are looking good for Clinton as the Times makes this forecast. A minute later, FiveThirtyEight says Clinton has a 75 percent chance of winning the presidency.
Live forecast: Hillary Clinton has an 82% chance of becoming president, as of 8:22 p.m. ET https://t.co/Yd2Xl2a502 pic.twitter.com/sMTyLMLr3D
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 9, 2016
8:35 p.m.
Mood gets pensive for Nassau Democrats as early results come in showing a narrow early lead for Trump in Florida. pic.twitter.com/JEj5SnkzIV
— Valerie Bauman (@valeriereports) November 9, 2016
8:42 p.m. Looking to make history
With slogans like “I’m with her,” Clinton’s campaign emphasized the historic nature of her campaign. On election night, thousands of her supporters stood under the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s actual glass ceiling, hoping their candidate would break the most significant glass ceiling of all, the presidency.
8:43 p.m.
"We're going to shatter that stubborn glass ceiling," @NYCMayor says of HRC outside Javits pic.twitter.com/A1dDdd7PIM
— Emily Ngo (@epngo) November 9, 2016
9:14 p.m. Clinton takes New York
JUST IN: @HillaryClinton has won New York. See more live #ElectionNight results https://t.co/GIOis1QhPl pic.twitter.com/2h1VYzE4qn
— Newsday (@Newsday) November 9, 2016
9:19 p.m.
Live forecast: Hillary Clinton has a 60% chance of becoming president, as of 9:19 p.m. ET https://t.co/Yd2Xl2a502 pic.twitter.com/cDp8AB8Gnt
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 9, 2016
9:35 p.m. Signs of trouble for Clinton
Trump hasn’t claimed any surprising wins by this point, but there are signs of trouble for Clinton as the race is closer than expected in some key states.
Florida, North Carolina still too close to call in #Election2016. https://t.co/8p3HbFNKMD pic.twitter.com/Ybg8Z3RLrL
— AP Politics (@AP_Politics) November 9, 2016
9:40 p.m. Trump gains ground
Live forecast: Donald Trump has a 55% chance of becoming president, as of 9:40 p.m. ET https://t.co/Yd2Xl2a502 pic.twitter.com/5RCGguZ01N
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 9, 2016
9:48 p.m.
Trump tweets a memorable election night photo of himself and running mate Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, surrounded by family members.
Watching the returns at 9:45pm. #ElectionNight #MAGA🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/HfuJeRZbod
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2016
9:54 p.m.
Financial markets fall in Asia as they react to the possibility of a Trump presidency, the AP reports. Asian shares lose early gains, tumbling as Trump gained the lead in the electoral vote count.
Asian shares plummet as Donald Trump gains lead in electoral votes. https://t.co/YuULpH6nv7
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 9, 2016
10 p.m. Democrats stay optimistic
10:33 p.m.
"This is going to be a great night when it’s over, I believe that," @NYGovCuomo says outside HRC Election Night party
— Emily Ngo (@epngo) November 9, 2016
10:37 p.m. Trump begins breakthrough
Trump takes his first major battleground state — the perennial presidential bellwether of Ohio.
BREAKING: Trump wins Ohio. @AP race call at 10:36 p.m. EST. #Election2016 #APracecall pic.twitter.com/y0Km746r75
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 9, 2016
10:41 p.m. Clinton still trails
Even with this victory and another that would follow in Colorado, called by the AP at 10:43, Clinton trails Trump in electoral votes 168-131, according to the wire service. Trump has won 19 states to Clinton’s 12 plus Washington, D.C.
BREAKING: Clinton wins Virginia. @AP race call at 10:40 p.m. EST. #Election2016 #APracecall pic.twitter.com/Z2kNqyF2Q4
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 9, 2016
11:05 p.m. Part 2 of a 1-2 punch
Trump strikes another big blow with his win in Florida, called at 10:50. He adds its 29 electoral votes to his tally as the tide shifts.
JUST IN: Trump captures crucial victories. Other key battleground states remain exceptionally tight #ElectionNight https://t.co/CHbLlQN4R2 pic.twitter.com/lmOGjVRfdI
— Newsday (@Newsday) November 9, 2016
11:11 p.m. Trump camp’s confidence grows
Fox projected Utah for Trump well before the AP would call the state for him, at 11:52 p.m.
The mood is very optimistic and celebratory at Donald Trump's campaign party in Manhattan after Ohio, Florida, Utah
— Elissa Salamy (@Elissa_Salamy) November 9, 2016
11:12 p.m.
Trump takes another key state.
BREAKING: Trump wins North Carolina. @AP race call at 11:11 p.m. EST. #Election2016 #APracecall pic.twitter.com/QQf7uzaUaI
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 9, 2016
11:20 p.m.
At this point, six AP battleground states remain available on the map — Iowa, Nevada, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — and Hillary Clinton is trailing in electoral votes.
Which states have been called for @HillaryClinton and @realDonaldTrump? Check out our live results #ElectionNight https://t.co/XtfHeU8hen pic.twitter.com/yW8EAHtKLx
— Newsday (@Newsday) November 9, 2016
11:36 p.m. The idea of a President Trump emerges
Trump supporters who love chants try out a new one: "President Trump!" pic.twitter.com/qmzWHTzOY6
— Michael Gormley (@GormleyAlbany) November 9, 2016
11:42 p.m.
Georgia goes for Trump, putting him fewer than 40 electoral votes away from the White House. https://t.co/9J0CQBELjD pic.twitter.com/LQ2UhV4zUE
— AP Politics (@AP_Politics) November 9, 2016
11:57 p.m.
Newsday’s first edition cover is sent to press.
12:11 a.m.
Why is Trump doing so well? “Because Hillary is a liar,” said Ida Vangieri, 76, of Nutley, N.J., at Trump's party in NYC.
— Michael Gormley (@GormleyAlbany) November 9, 2016
12:26 a.m. ‘Just shock’
After Tuesday becomes Wednesday, Trump claims Iowa while Clinton gets a victory in Nevada. But her prospects for the presidency are dimming.
Not feeling anger among the HRC faithful here at Javits, just shock, sadness, sadness, sadness
— Emily Ngo (@epngo) November 9, 2016
1 a.m.
Cher, in lobby of Javits Center tells reporters she feels like there's been a death in the family. #ElectionNight pic.twitter.com/QJsoHWQKxG
— Laura Figueroa (@Laura_Figueroa) November 9, 2016
1:21 a.m.
Lyrics of sad song playing right now at HRC Election Night party, "We were born to be fighters. And we're fighting for our lives."
— Emily Ngo (@epngo) November 9, 2016
1:23 a.m.
The block party has lost its "party-ness" and most have cleared. Mood: tension mixed with sadness #ElectionNight pic.twitter.com/1AUCQ8lRap
— Anahita Pardiwalla (@anahitakp) November 9, 2016
1:31 a.m. Nearing the presidency
Trump's crowd is getting antsy, whistling and yelling "call it" every so often
— Elissa Salamy (@Elissa_Salamy) November 9, 2016
1:50 a.m.
With Pennsylvania in his column, Trump just needs six more electoral votes to be elected president.
JUST IN: Donald Trump moves within reach of the White House #ElectionNight https://t.co/c3xMxy4VBF pic.twitter.com/K4nk30z1e0
— Newsday (@Newsday) November 9, 2016
Just after 2 a.m. ‘She is not done yet’
Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta makes brief remarks at the Javits Center but offers no concession. “She’s done an amazing job and she is not done yet,” he says of his candidate.
2:13 a.m.
Trump supporters ready to celebrate but appear ready to wait to later today pic.twitter.com/R0WKinNYlV
— Michael Gormley (@GormleyAlbany) November 9, 2016
2:31 a.m. Trump elected 45th president
Trump wins Wisconsin — a state that had not gone red in a presidential race since 1984 — and in turn the White House. The AP officially calls the presidential election for Trump at 2:29 a.m.
BREAKING: Donald Trump is elected president of the United States. pic.twitter.com/yJpgfsAbc6
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 9, 2016
2:39 a.m.
BREAKING: @realDonaldTrump has won the White House #Election Night https://t.co/4GblNzSbwR pic.twitter.com/mQbYSotbt6
— Newsday (@Newsday) November 9, 2016
2:40 a.m.
Newsday’s second edition cover is sent to press.
2:44 a.m. Clinton supporters mourn
Heartbreak at the Javits tonight among HRC faithful pic.twitter.com/jUwOCof4Ex
— Emily Ngo (@epngo) November 9, 2016
Around 2:45 a.m. Trump appears before supporters
Trump addressed supporters for about 15 minutes. Watch his full remarks in this video from ABC News.
2:52 a.m.
"Ours was not a campaign but an incredible and great movement," Donald Trump says. #ElectionNight
— Newsday (@Newsday) November 9, 2016
2:58 a.m.
Many Clinton supporters remain in shock over the upset. Americans would eventually find out that Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes.
Clinton supporter walks by screen playing Trump speech yells "you will never be my president!" as tears stream down her eyes
— Laura Figueroa (@Laura_Figueroa) November 9, 2016
3:22 a.m.
Newsday’s third edition cover — its last of the night, with a photo of President-elect Trump giving a thumbs-up after his victory — is sent to press.
With The Associated Press
COLLEGE FINANCING 101 – Understanding and Affording College Tuition
COLLEGE FINANCING 101 – Understanding and Affording College Tuition
For parents of college-bound students, understanding how to finance tuition has become an education unto itself. To clarify the options and help simplify the process, Newsday conducted an in-depth seminar to help educate parents and students on financing a college education. The hour-long seminar was held at the Newsday corporate headquarters in Melville, New York.
Experts in admissions and financial aid, New York State loans and grants, as well loan officers from our sponsor, Island Federal Credit Union, provided important information every incoming freshman and their parents should know. With a program so rich in useful content, Newsday and Island Federal Credit Union wanted to bring College Financing 101 to the broader public.
Here, you will find a series of video tutorials on financing a college education for the 2018-2019 school year. You will also find a list of important links and resources to continue your education in college financing.
WHAT EVERY PARENT AND STUDENT SHOULD KNOW
College Financing 101: The Cliff Notes Overview, Larry Dunn, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing, Island Federal Credit Union
This video, introduced by Larry Dunn, Senior Director of Marketing & Sales for Island Federal Credit Union provides a “Cliff Notes” version of the hour-long College Financing 101 seminar for Long Island parents and students. It top-lines the purpose of the seminar, introduces the panel of speakers and offers a synopsis of each of their topics and talks. Best viewed in tandem with the other topic-specific video segments.
Supplemental Financing and Scholarships—Timothy Aaraas, Director of Retail Lending, Island Federal Credit Union
Financing a college education is top of mind for any high school student or parent of a high school student. As the Director of Lending for Island Federal Credit Union, Tim will discuss credit union loan options and their Student Choice partner that can help families afford the “gap” between federal loan options and the actual cost of tuition, as well as alternate means of supplemental financing such as Home Equity Lines Of Credit. In addition, Tim will talk specifically about Island Federal Credit Union’s long-standing scholarship program that defines the credit union’s philosophy of “people helping people” by offering $50,000 to help meet rising college costs and ease the burden on Long Island families. Since 1992, Island Federal Credit Union has given away 294 scholarships totaling $540,000 dollars to deserving students. In 2018, Island Federal Credit Union will award eleven scholarships, 3 at the $10,000 level and 8 at $2,500 each.
Understanding and Applying for the New York State Excelsior Scholarship Program—Diane Kazanecki-Kempter, Director of Student Financial Services, SUNY Farmingdale
2017 marked the first year of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Excelsior Scholarship, a first-of-its-kind in the nation program, to provide tuition-free education at New York’s public colleges and universities. As Director of Financial Aid at SUNY Farmingdale, Ms. Kazanecki-Kempter will discuss requirements and eligibility, and advise parents and students how – and when – to fill out the forms. Ms. Kazanecki-Kempter will also share her experiences to help scholarship seeking seniors avoid common pitfalls, and how to maintain this tuition-free program throughout a four-year college term.
Getting the Most from Your School/Guidance Counseling Office—Barbara Donnellan Ed.D Coordinator of Guidance, Lindenhurst Public Schools
In this informative session, Dr. Donnellan will discuss, through her experience and anecdotes, how parents and high school seniors should work with their school guidance counseling office to understand and approach the college admission process. More importantly, Dr. Donnellan will speak to the mindset and approach to financing a college education, and urge parents to handle the process as they would any other large purchase: with forethought, knowledge and a clear understanding of the process.
Thank You to Our Sponsor
Island Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution, providing affordable banking products and services to Long Islanders. For over 60 years, Island Federal Credit Union has offered their members better value and service for their everyday banking, enabling them to achieve their dreams by helping them to purchase a home, send their kids to college, and afford a comfortable retirement.
Founded in 1955, Island Federal Credit Union has grown to be among the top performing credit unions in New York State with over $1.3 billion in assets, serving more than 38,000 members. Island Federal Credit Union’s successful track record can be attributed to consistently delivering the best rates, no hidden fees, and exceptional service to its members.
Island Federal Credit Union is a proud sponsor of Newsday Brand360’s College Financing 101 event. Please take note of the following websites for more information about financing a college education:
Island Federal Credit Union – Island Federal Credit Union
Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) – hesc.ny.gov
Contact the Scholarship Unit via email at scholarships@hesc.ny.gov or call 888-697-4372
Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) – fafsa.ed.gov
Tap on the Web Application – hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/nys-tap/apply-for-tap.html
New York State Excelsior – ny.gov/programs/tuition-free-degree-program-excelsior-scholarship
The news and editorial staff of Newsday had no role in the creation of this contentHow tight is the race for Nassau executive?
Who will Nassau County voters choose for county executive on Nov. 7? Democrat Laura Curran, Republican Jack Martins or Green Party candidate Cassandra Lems? Here is a breakdown of answers to that question posed in a Newsday/Siena Poll. The survey, which has a margin of error of +/- 3.6 percentage points, involved 742 Nassau registered voters from Oct. 17-22. Mouse over the bars for details, and see the table below for all the categories on the first rating question. And you can read more about the Nassau race here.
The choices
- Curran
- Martins
- Lems
- Don't know/No opinion
All voters, and then by gender and age
By education and income
Curran | Martins | Lems | No opinion | |
---|---|---|---|---|
TOTAL | 41% | 43% | 3% | 13% |
GENDER | ||||
Male | 36% | 50% | 2% | 13% |
Female | 47% | 36% | 4% | 13% |
AGE | ||||
Under 55 | 41% | 46% | 4% | 10% |
55 + | 43% | 42% | 3% | 13% |
PARTY | ||||
Democrat | 79% | 11% | 3% | 7% |
Republican | 15% | 74% | 2% | 10% |
Independent / Other | 38% | 38% | 4% | 20% |
POLITICS | ||||
Liberal | 78% | 8% | 6% | 8% |
Moderate | 49% | 37% | 2% | 12% |
Conservative | 11% | 76% | 2% | 12% |
EDUCATION | ||||
No college | 37% | 46% | 2% | 15% |
College degree | 45% | 41% | 3% | 10% |
RELIGION | ||||
Catholic | 30% | 58% | 2% | 10% |
Jewish | 62% | 28% | 3% | 8% |
Protestant | 47% | 37% | 3% | 13% |
Other | 57% | 17% | 5% | 21% |
INCOME | ||||
<$50K | 31% | 52% | 3% | 14% |
$50K-$100K | 50% | 38% | 4% | 8% |
$100K+ | 42% | 47% | 2% | 9% |
Javascript charts via amCharts. Table via Tableizer
Long Island opinion on the Trump presidency
What do Long Islanders think of Donald Trump more than nine months into his presidency? Here is a breakdown of answers to that question posed in a Newsday/Siena Poll. The survey, which has a margin of error of +/- 3.6 percentage points, involved 1,007 registered voters from Oct. 17-22. Mouse over the bars for details, and see the table below for all the categories on the first rating question. There is also a chart below showing responses to questions about how Trump is handling five situations. And you can read more about the Trump poll results here.
The ratings
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
- No opinion
How would you rate the job that Donald Trump is doing as president?
By Ethnicity and Income
And how would you rate Trump on dealing with 5 challenges
Respondents were asked to rate the president on the following: handling natural disasters such as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria; creating jobs; working collaboratively with Congress; keeping America safe from terrorism; and addressing the conflict between the United States and North Korea.
Here are breakdowns on the question “How would you rate the job that Donald Trump is doing as president? The “Don’t know/No opinion” data, which ranges from 1 percent to 3 percent, are not listed, and the percentages are rounded off.
Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor | |
---|---|---|---|---|
TOTAL | 14% | 18% | 19% | 47% |
Nassau | 12% | 18% | 21% | 48% |
Suffolk | 16% | 18% | 18% | 47% |
GENDER | ||||
Male | 16% | 19% | 20% | 45% |
Female | 13% | 16% | 19% | 50% |
AGE | ||||
18-34 | 6% | 12% | 28% | 52% |
35-54 | 13% | 22% | 20% | 45% |
55+ | 19% | 19% | 14% | 49% |
PARTY | ||||
Democrat | 3% | 6% | 13% | 77% |
Republican | 28% | 31% | 22% | 19% |
Independent/ Other | 13% | 18% | 23% | 43% |
POLITICS | ||||
Liberal | 2% | 2% | 8% | 87% |
Moderate | 7% | 17% | 23% | 52% |
Conservative | 32% | 29% | 22% | 17% |
ETHNICITY | ||||
White | 16% | 19% | 21% | 43% |
Black | 3% | 6% | 9% | 82% |
Latino | 6% | 18% | 17% | 57% |
EDUCATION | ||||
No college | 17% | 20% | 19% | 43% |
College degree | 12% | 16% | 19% | 51% |
RELIGION | ||||
Catholic | 19% | 22% | 21% | 37% |
Jewish | 7% | 10% | 15% | 68% |
Protestant | 11% | 23% | 23% | 40% |
Other | 8% | 11% | 15% | 65% |
INCOME | ||||
<$50G | 16% | 23% | 19% | 40% |
$50G-$100G | 16% | 18% | 17% | 49% |
$100G+ | 12% | 17% | 18% | 53% |
Javascript charts via amCharts; table via Tableizer.
Long Island’s Cutest Baby Contest Entry Form
Cutest Baby Contest Entry Form
Read the official contest rules.
FAMILY NEWSLETTER Sign up to find things to do with kids, events, toy trends and more.Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota’s career
1971-1982
Serves as an assistant district attorney for Suffolk County. Includes stint as chief of homicide bureau, where he prosecuted high-profile cases, including the murder of 13-year-old John Pius in Smithtown. That case featured teenage witness and later Spota protégé James Burke, who would go on to work as Spota’s chief investigator before becoming Suffolk police’s chief of department in 2012.
1982-2001
Works in private practice. Gains political prominence representing county law enforcement unions.
2001
Switches party affiliation from Republican to Democrat to run for Suffolk district attorney against longtime Republican DA James Catterson. After bruising campaign, Spota wins by a large margin.
2003
Releases grand jury report on sexual abuse by 58 priests in the Diocese of Rockville Centre dating back decades. Wins national attention for issuing one of the first such reports in the country.
2005
Wins first re-election, without an opponent and endorsed by all major and minor parties.
2006
Wins conviction of Islip Town Supervisor Peter McGowan, a Republican, on corruption charges stemming from illegal use of $1.2 million campaign fund.
2009
Wins second re-election, again without an opponent and endorsed by all major and minor parties.
2011
Brokers deal with County Executive Steve Levy that results in Levy not seeking a third term and turning over his $4 million campaign war chest to Spota’s office. Spota closes a criminal investigation into Levy’s fundraising. Neither Spota nor Levy has ever provided a detailed explanation of the agreement.
2013
The state’s highest court rules that Suffolk’s 12-year term limit does not apply to the district attorney’s office, allowing Spota to run for a fourth term. He again receives cross-endorsements from all major parties, defeats a GOP primary challenger and wins re-election.
2014
Secures guilty plea of Suffolk information technology commissioner Donald Rodgers on misdemeanor counts related to his failing to disclose business interests on his county financial disclosure form and his work on a multimillion-dollar county software deal.
2014
Begins investigating then-Babylon Democratic chairman Robert Stricoff for alleged irregularities in campaign committee expenses. He later refers the case to the state Board of Elections.
2015
His protégé Burke is charged by federal prosecutors with beating a man who had broken into his SUV and then orchestrating a departmentwide cover-up. Burke pleaded guilty and later is sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.
2016
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone stands on the steps of Spota’s office and asks for his resignation, saying Spota was heading a “criminal enterprise” that used the prosecutor’s office to punish enemies and protect friends. Spota accuses Bellone of having a “personal vendetta against me for investigating and prosecuting people he is close to.”
2016
Newsday reports that federal prosecutors had opened a criminal investigation into the actions of Spota’s office, including handling of the Levy and Burke cases, those involving Stricoff and Rodgers, and a 2011 shooting of an unarmed cabdriver by an off-duty Nassau police officer who had been drinking heavily and was never charged. Spota has denied wrongdoing.
May 12, 2017
Spota announces he will not seek a fifth term.
Oct. 25, 2017
Spota and one of his chief aides, Christopher McPartland, are indicted on federal charges in a cover-up of Burke’s assault of a suspect in 2012. Both plead not guilty.
Oct. 26, 2017
Spota announces he will leave office.
Nov. 10, 2017
Spota officially retires as Suffolk County district attorney.
Nick Fanti: Life in the minors
Chapter 1
'I knew he was special'
When Nick Fanti began playing baseball as a child, he didn't want to go anyway near the pitcher's mound. By his senior year at Hauppauge High School, the lefthander was attracting scouts for his pitching ability. Now he'll try to use that to get to the majors.
Lakewood BlueClaws/Mike Dill
Chapter 2
The Fanti famiglia
As the youngest of five and the only boy in the Fanti family, Nick Fanti said it was like he had five moms growing up. The tight-knit group made an effort to travel the 120 miles from Hauppauge to Lakewood, New Jersey, to see Fanti pitch as often as possible. Fanti also had support from his host family, the Hoffmans, who are BlueClaws season-ticket holders.
Lakewood BlueClaws/Mike Dill
Chapter 3
'Can you do it in three months?'
Lakewood pitching coach Brian Sweeney, who's also the coach for Team Italy, asked Nick Fanti, 20, if he would be able to pitch in the World Baseball Classic in three or four years. Then in December 2016, Sweeney asked Fanti if he could pitch in the 2017 WBC in March. Fanti threw a scoreless inning and struck out Mets utility man T.J. Rivera in his lone relief appearance against Puerto Rico.
WBC Inc.
Chapter 4
The no-hitter
Fanti made a name for himself on Long Island when he threw back-to-back no-hitters in high school. On May 6, he added his first professional combined no-hitter when he went 8 2/3 innings without giving up a hit against the Columbia Fireflies. His roommate, Trevor Bettencourt, closed out the game with a strikeout to preserve the no-no. Two months later, Fanti tossed a no-hitter of his own against the Charleston RiverDogs.
Lakewood BlueClaws/Mike Dill
Chapter 5
The last game
After the BlueClaws beat the Kannapolis Intimidators in the final game of the season, Fanti said goodbye to his teammates, fans and host family and headed back to Long Island for the offseason -- one step closer toward achieving his dream.
Lakewood BlueClaws / Mike Dill
Long Island unemployment rates for September 2017
The overall unemployment rate on Long Island for September 2017 was 4.2 percent, down 0.1 of a percentage point from where it was a year earlier, according to data from the state’s Department of Labor. Hempstead Village had the highest rate on the Island, at 4.9 percent, just 0.1 percentage points behind New York City.
Glen Cove and Southampton had the lowest rate — 3.8 percent — but Glen Cove had risen 0.2 percentage points to that number while Southampton had fallen 0.2 percentage points. You can read more about Long Island unemployment here.
Local jobless rates for September
Details on the monthly unemployment rates
September 2017 | Labor Force | Employed | Unemployed | Rate (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nassau-Suffolk | 1,494,500 | 1,431,500 | 63,000 | 4.2 |
Nassau County | 708,600 | 679,200 | 29,400 | 4.1 |
Freeport Village | 22,900 | 21,800 | 1,100 | 4.6 |
Glen Cove City | 14,200 | 13,600 | 500 | 3.8 |
Hempstead Town | 403,900 | 386,500 | 17,400 | 4.3 |
Hempstead Village | 27,700 | 26,400 | 1,400 | 4.9 |
Long Beach City | 19,800 | 19,000 | 800 | 3.9 |
North Hempstead Town | 114,200 | 109,800 | 4,400 | 3.9 |
Oyster Bay Town | 156,500 | 150,200 | 6,200 | 4.0 |
Rockville Centre Village | 12,300 | 11,700 | 500 | 4.2 |
Valley Stream Village | 19,900 | 19,000 | 900 | 4.6 |
Suffolk County | 785,900 | 752,300 | 33,600 | 4.3 |
Babylon Town | 113,100 | 107,800 | 5,400 | 4.7 |
Brookhaven Town | 256,800 | 245,700 | 11,100 | 4.3 |
Huntington Town | 105,600 | 101,400 | 4,300 | 4.0 |
Islip Town | 180,700 | 172,900 | 7,800 | 4.3 |
Lindenhurst Village | 15,500 | 14,800 | 700 | 4.6 |
Riverhead Town | 16,200 | 15,500 | 700 | 4.4 |
Smithtown Town | 60,800 | 58,300 | 2,500 | 4.0 |
Southampton Town | 29,200 | 28,100 | 1,100 | 3.8 |
New York City | 4,258,000 | 4,045,100 | 212,900 | 5.0 |
New York State | 9,738,100 | 9,276,900 | 461,200 | 4.7 |
August 2017 | Labor Force | Employed | Unemployed | Rate (%) |
Nassau-Suffolk | 1,500,300 | 1,433,900 | 66,400 | 4.4 |
Nassau County | 710,100 | 680,000 | 30,100 | 4.2 |
Freeport Village | 23,000 | 21,800 | 1,200 | 5.0 |
Glen Cove City | 14,200 | 13,700 | 600 | 4.0 |
Hempstead Town | 405,000 | 387,000 | 18,100 | 4.5 |
Hempstead Village | 27,900 | 26,400 | 1,500 | 5.3 |
Long Beach City | 19,800 | 19,100 | 700 | 3.7 |
North Hempstead Town | 114,300 | 109,900 | 4,400 | 3.8 |
Oyster Bay Town | 156,800 | 150,400 | 6,300 | 4.0 |
Rockville Centre Village | 12,300 | 11,800 | 500 | 4.1 |
Valley Stream Village | 20,000 | 19,100 | 1,000 | 4.9 |
Suffolk County | 790,200 | 753,900 | 36,300 | 4.6 |
Babylon Town | 113,900 | 108,000 | 5,900 | 5.2 |
Brookhaven Town | 258,600 | 246,300 | 12,400 | 4.8 |
Huntington Town | 105,800 | 101,600 | 4,300 | 4.0 |
Islip Town | 182,000 | 173,300 | 8,700 | 4.8 |
Lindenhurst Village | 15,700 | 14,800 | 800 | 5.3 |
Riverhead Town | 16,200 | 15,500 | 700 | 4.4 |
Smithtown Town | 60,900 | 58,400 | 2,400 | 4.0 |
Southampton Town | 29,200 | 28,100 | 1,100 | 3.8 |
New York City | 4,236,500 | 4,019,800 | 216,600 | 5.1 |
New York State | 9,728,600 | 9,256,000 | 472,600 | 4.9 |
September 2016 | Labor Force | Employed | Unemployed | Rate (%) |
Nassau-Suffolk | 1,467,800 | 1,405,400 | 62,400 | 4.3 |
Nassau County | 695,500 | 666,700 | 28,700 | 4.1 |
Freeport Village | 22,500 | 21,400 | 1,100 | 4.9 |
Glen Cove City | 13,900 | 13,400 | 500 | 3.6 |
Hempstead Town | 396,400 | 379,400 | 17,000 | 4.3 |
Hempstead Village | 27,200 | 25,900 | 1,300 | 4.9 |
Long Beach City | 19,500 | 18,700 | 800 | 4.0 |
North Hempstead Town | 112,200 | 107,800 | 4,400 | 3.9 |
Oyster Bay Town | 153,500 | 147,500 | 6,000 | 3.9 |
Rockville Centre Village | 12,000 | 11,500 | 500 | 4.2 |
Valley Stream Village | 19,500 | 18,700 | 800 | 4.3 |
Suffolk County | 772,400 | 738,700 | 33,700 | 4.4 |
Babylon Town | 111,200 | 105,800 | 5,300 | 4.8 |
Brookhaven Town | 252,600 | 241,300 | 11,300 | 4.5 |
Huntington Town | 103,700 | 99,500 | 4,100 | 4.0 |
Islip Town | 177,600 | 169,800 | 7,800 | 4.4 |
Lindenhurst Village | 15,200 | 14,500 | 700 | 4.6 |
Riverhead Town | 15,900 | 15,200 | 700 | 4.6 |
Smithtown Town | 59,700 | 57,300 | 2,400 | 4.0 |
Southampton Town | 28,700 | 27,600 | 1,200 | 4.0 |
New York City | 4,141,300 | 3,919,200 | 222,200 | 5.4 |
New York State | 9,554,900 | 9,083,500 | 471,400 | 4.9 |